Aigües de Mataró has launched an industrial doctorate project with the aim of improving sustainable water management in the Maresme region . This applied research responds to one of the four strategic objectives of the company's sustainability strategy, and aligned with Mataró's 2023 Urban Agenda . It is about studying different water resilience projects, which allow to increase the capacity of the aquifer.
The project is key to ensuring that Mataró has sufficient and quality water in the future, especially in the face of the effects of climate change and the growth of the city . Currently, 20% of Mataró's water comes from local wells and mines, while 80% comes from the network managed by Aigües Ter Llobregat (ATL), but these resources need to be better known to ensure that there are no problems supply With the collaboration of several academic and scientific entities, the project seeks to improve the management of aquifers, making them more efficient and sustainable. This includes geological studies, updating aquifer models and researching new techniques to increase water recharge.
In collaboration with the Underground Hydrology Group ( GHS ) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) , and the Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas ( CSIC ), the project focuses on the study of the hydrogeological model and artificial recharge of the Maresme aquifer. To achieve this goal, the project is based on three main axes. First, a structural geological study will be carried out to identify the aquifer recharge zones , using non-invasive exploration and characterization geophysical methods, as well as sampling campaigns in dry and wet seasons to better understand the dynamics of the system and hydrochemical processes. Secondly, the aquifer model of the Argentona stream will be updated, extending the modeled area to the Sant Simó stream and creating a more robust and resilient model . Finally, ways to increase the available water will be sought, such as artificial recharge with treated waste water and street water , and the prospecting of new water sources.
Founded in 1900 as "Fradera y Compañia", Aigües de Mataró has evolved significantly over the years. In 1922, "Aguas de Argentona a Mataró Sociedad Anónima" was established, which later merged with the Municipal Water Service of Mataró in 1946 to form a mixed company. In 1967, the Mataró City Council acquired 100% of the shares and in 1986 the company adopted its current name, Aigües de Mataró, SA Today, Aigües de Mataró is a Municipal Private Company that manages a wide range of services related to water, the environment and other infrastructures.
In 2023, the company distributed water to the city with 79.1% of its origin from the Ter water system and 20.9% from its own sources, coming from 34 wells and 5 mines. The network includes 15 reservoirs with a total capacity of 51,452 m³ and 350.8 km of pipes, in addition to a network of 25.178 km for non-potable uses. The Aigües de Mataró laboratory analyzes 33.14 water samples daily, with 16,411 samples analyzed in 2023.
This project, developed thanks to the Industrial Doctorates program of the Generalitat de Catalunya, will allow Aigües de Mataró to deepen its knowledge of local water resources, improving both the quantity and quality of water available . This will guarantee a more stable and sustainable water supply for the city of Mataró in the future.
